News Excerpt:
Nanomaterials and Nanoelectronics Laboratory, Guwahati University, Assam, has developed a cost-effective formalin sensor using tin oxide-reduced graphene oxide composite that can effectively detect the presence of formalin in adulterated fishes.
About non-invasive formaldehyde sensors:
- Commercial formalin sensors for fish are primarily electrochemical-based or colorimetric-based.
- Electrochemical sensors are extensively used but are expensive.
- Calorimetric sensors are less expensive. But both methods are invasive in nature.
- Moreover, low-level and selective detection are two major issues with these sensors.
- The researchers synthesised graphene oxide (GO) through a process called the wet chemical approach, and tin oxide-reduced graphene oxide composite (rGO- SnO2) was synthesised by hydrothermal route followed by calcination of the obtained product.
- They found that the sensor made of tin oxide decorated reduced graphene oxide effectively sensed formaldehyde vapour at room temperature.
- The crucial importance of this work is the non-invasive detection of formalin.
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About Formaldehyde:
- Formaldehyde is a substance made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
- It is found naturally in every living system – from plants to animals to humans.
- It is a colourless, pungent gas used in various industrial processes, including as a preservative in some foods, commonly in fish in developing countries.
- However, using formaldehyde in food is illegal in many countries, as it is a known carcinogen.
